STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer on Friday will call on the Drug Enforcement Administration to permit local pharmacies and community organizations to host drug take-back events in response to skyrocketing overdose rates on Staten Island.

He will also ask the DEA to use federal funds to establish a buy-back program to encourage people to turn in prescription drugs they are no longer taking.

While a bill in the state Legislature would certify participating pharmacies to take back prescription medication, the DEA must first amend regulations under the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010.

Schumer (D-N.Y.) believes current take-back events are not held frequently enough.

The prescription drug overdose death rate is three times higher on Staten Island than any other borough.